Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Rhapsody in Blue - George Gershwin

Episode 1 of 4

An analysis and full performance of Gershwin's salute to the city that never sleeps, exploring the improvisational approach and musical influences behind this iconic composition.

George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (1924) is a landmark in 20th-century music. Gershwin drew upon the jazz music enveloping New York City in the 1920s to create the 'American Sound', which would inspire generations of composers in years to come.

Josie D'Arby presents the 成人论坛 Scottish Symphony Orchestra with pianist Marc Andre Hamelin, conducted by Thomas Dausgaard, performing the piece in full from Glasgow's City Halls.

Through conversations with the Dausgaard, Hamelin and members of the orchestra, and interviews with jazz pianist and composer Julian Joseph and broadcaster, critic and biographer David Benedict, the programme delves deep into Gershwin's swinging salute to the city that never sleeps, exploring the composer's desire to be taken seriously beyond Broadway, and the improvisational approach which drew together so many different musical influences to create this iconic and and much-loved piece of music.

58 minutes

Last on

Mon 5 Aug 2024 02:30

Music Played

  • London Festival Orchestra & Stanley Black

    Rhapsody In Blue

  • George Gershwin

    Rhapsody in Blue

    Performer: Andr茅 Previn. Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Director: Andr茅 Previn.
  • George Gershwin

    Rhapsody in Blue

  • George Gershwin

    Rhapsody in Blue

    Performer: Stefano Bollani. Orchestra: Gewandhausorchester Leipzig. Conductor: Riccardo Chailly.
  • Ella Fitzgerald

    The Man I Love

  • Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Bbc Symphony Orchestra, Hugh Wolff

    Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Josie d'Arby
Executive Producer Richard Bradley
Director Mathew Tucker
Production Manager Claire Smith
Production Manager Tricia Chacon
Production Company Lion Television
Director of photography Michael O'Halloran
Editor Joseph Tims

Broadcasts

Featured in...